>> WITH TWO-THIRDS OF THE SESSION IN THE REARVIEW MIRROR, LAWMAKERS ARE ACTING ON CONSEQUENTIAL MEASURING CONCERNING JOBLESS BENEFITS, GUBERNATORIAL PARDONS, TAX RESTRUCTURING AND ELECTION MATTERS ON DAY 40 OF THE 2022 KENTUCKY GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN REGULAR SESSION.

GOOD EVENING, EVERYONE.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING YOU GOES FOR LEGISLATIVE UPDATE.

I'M RENEE SHAW.

A PLAN TO STRENGTHEN JOB SEARCH REQUIREMENTS AND CHANGE THE CALCULATION FOR GETTING UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS IS REACHING THE LEGISLATIVE FINISH LINE - WITH JUST ONE HURDLE REMAINING.

TODAY, THE STATE SENATE ENDORSED HOUSE BILL 4, WHICH CREATES A NEW SLIDING SCALE FOR THE NUMBER OF WEEKS PEOPLE CAN COLLECT UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE.

WHEN THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE IS 4.5% OR LESS, KENTUCKIANS WOULD BE ELIGIBLE FOR 12 WEEKS OF UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE.

FOR A RATE EXCEEDING 10%, THERE WOULD BE 24 WEEKS OF BENEFITS.

THE MEASURE ALSO TOUGHENS WORK SEARCH REQUIREMENTS.

BUSINESS GROUPS SUPPORT THE MEASURE SAYING THE MEASURE WILL HELP IMPROVE THE STATE'S LABOR FORCE PARTICIPATION RATE.

BUT LABOR GROUPS HAVE DENOUNCED IT AS A SCHEME TO FORCE JOBLESS KENTUCKIANS BACK TO WORK, POSSIBLY AT A LOWER WAGE.

THERE WAS BI-PARTISAN OPPOSITION TO THE MEASURE IN THE SENATE TODAY, WITH LAWMAKERS SOUNDING OFF WITH SOMETIMES EMOTIONAL COMMENTARY.

>> WE'VE TRIED TO CREATE JOBS IN CERTAIN PARTS THE STATE FORD MOTOR AND ALL THESE OTHER PLACES, BUT WE HAVEN'T SPENT THE SAME TYPE OF ENERGY AND TIME WE NEED TO SPREAD THAT THROUGHOUT THAT TYPE OF WORK THROUGHOUT THE RURAL PART OF THE STATE.

AND BEFORE WE TRY TO TAKE FUNDS THAT WE CAN AFFORD TO PAY TO WORKING PEOPLE WHEN THEY GET LAID OFF, I THINK WE OUGHT TO HAVE A SECOND THOUGHT ABOUT IT.

>> WE KEEP ATTACKING THE MEN AND WOMEN IN NORTHEAST KENTUCKY.

WORLD CLASS TRAINS MEN AND WOMEN.

YOU WILL HEAR ME SAY IT UNTIL I LEAVER HOO AS LONG AS THESE ANTICS KEEP GOING ON.

IT'S AN AN INSULT.

IT'S A SLAP IN THE FACE TO PEOPLE WHO RISK THEIR LIFE TO KEEPING INNER GOING, YOU CLOSED THE COAL FIRE PLANTS.

WE'VE DONE AWAY WITH A LOT OF JOBS, MOVED THEM ALL TO THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE AND OTHER POPULATED PLACES.

THERE'S NO EQUITY IN THAT.

AND THERE'S NO EQUITY IN THIS.

>> I FEAR THIS BILL WILL CAUSE GREAT MISERY IN MY HOME.

I'M ALL FOR BUSINESS SUCCEEDING.

I'M ALL FOR PEOPLE WORKING.

I'VE ALSO SEEN MANY GENERATIONS WHERE THE CYCLE OF POVERTY HAS BROKEN MEN'S SOULS, CAUSED THEM TO TURN TO DRUGS AND MOVED THE MORAL FABRIC OF MANY COMMUNITIES THAT ONCE STOOD STRONG.

AND YET I'VE ALSO SEEN MANY OF THE SAME PEOPLE WHO ARE PROMOTING THIS BILL PROMOTE THE OUTSOURCING OF THOSE AMERICAN JOBS, HAVE LED TO THE CLOSURE OF THESE FACTORIES WHOSE ONLY GOAL WAS THE BOTTOM DOLLAR >> TWO REPUBLICANS SPOKE IN FAVOR OF THE MEASURE.

SENATE PRESIDENT PRO TEM DAVID GIVENS AND JOHN SCHICKEL SAY BUSINESSES ARE IN DESPERATE TO FILL OPEN SLOTS.

>> THE LANGUAGE IN THE STATUTE PRIOR TO BEING AMENDED REFLECTS THE FACT THAT EVERY DOLLAR PAID INTO THE UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE FUND IS PAID BY EMPLOYERS.

THESE SMALL BUSINESSES CONTRIBUTE TO THIS UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE FUND.

IT'S THERE TO BE USED AS A SAFE NET IN TIMES OF CHALLENGE AND TRANSITION.

IT'S THERE IN WAY TO SAY MAKE EMPLOYEES BE ABLE TO SUSTAIN A LIVEHOOD A AT TIMES IT WOULD BE HARD BUT IT'S NOT A SAFETY NET FOR THESE SMALL BUSINESSES.

>> WE HAVE A HUGE PROBLEM HERE IN KENTUCKY.

WITH WORKFORCE PARTICIPATION.

AND, SURE, MOST PEOPLE ARE WELL INTENDED BUT TO SUGGEST, I THINK, THAT SOME FOLKS DON'T ABUSE THE SYSTEM, I JUST DON'T THINK IS REALITY.

AND I THINK WE ALL KNOW THAT IN OUR HEARTS.

AND I COME FROM A PART OF THE STATE WHERE EVERYWHERE I GO EMPLOYERS ARE CRYING OUT FOR HELP >> DEMOCRATS UNANIMOUSLY REJECTED THE BILL, FREQUENTLY BLASTING IT AS A PLAN THAT HURTS WORKING PEOPLE.

THREE SENATORS FROM THE STATE'S MOST URBAN AREAS EXPLAIN WHY THEY THINK SO.

>> IT'S GOINGS TO COST THE TAXPAYERS MILLIONS OF DOLLARS TO MAKE THESE CHANGES.

SO WE'RE PUTTING IN PLACE A SYSTEM THAT HURTS WORKERS.

AND THAT ALSO IS GOING TO BE BORNE OUT BY THE TAXPAYERS.

BECAUSE IT'S PAID FOR BY BUSINESS.

THIS IS A TAX BREAK FOR BUSINESS.

IT'S A TAX COST FOR THE TAXPAYERS.

>> IT BASICALLY GUTS THE UNEMPLOYMENT SECURITY SYSTEM AND SAYS TO WORKERS, YOU KNOW, IF YOU'RE AOUT OF WORK THROUGH NO FAULT OF YOUR OWN ARE WE'RE JUST GOING TO FORGET ABOUT YOU.

WHAT HOUSE BILL 4 DOES, MR. PRESIDENT, IT TAKES UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS THAT ARE NOW EXTENDED TO 26 WEEKS DOWN TO 12 WEEKS.

LESS THAN HALF WHAT THEY COULD HAVE GOT.

AND, MS. PRESS THAT IS HARMFUL FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN LAID OFF THROUGH NO FAULT OF THEIR OWN.

>> WE HAVE A THEORY THAT SOMEHOW THAT IF YOU BECOME MORE STRINGENT ON THOSE REQUIREMENTS YOU INCREASE THE TO R WORK, TO.

THAT'S THE THEORY.

OUR RULE BETWEEN THIS EDUCATED BODY IS TO TEST THOSE THEORIES.

WE LOOK WHAT BEST PRACTICES HAPPEN IN OTHER AREAS.

WE KNOW THAT THEORY DOESN'T PAN OUT.

MORE STRINGENT REQUIREMENTS DOS NOT INCREASE THE WORKFORCE.

WHILE WE CAN PLAY HEY THAT'S COMMON SENSE WE ACTUALLY GET A STEP BACK AND LOOK AT BEST PRACTICES WHAT'S HAPPENED THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES THAT IS NOT THE FACT, THAT'S NOT THE CASE.

IT SIMPLY PUTS THE BURDEN ON OUR CONSTITUENTS >> AT THE HEIGHT OF THE PANDEMIC, THE STATE'S UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE SYSTEM STRUGGLED TO KEEP PACE WITH THE VOLUME OF CLAIMANTS, AND COMPLAINTS ABOUT FILING JOBLESS CLAIMS, GETTING BENEFITS CHECKS AND FRAUDULENT CLAIMS BEING MADE HAVE MADE HEADLINES.

CRITICS SAY THE SYSTEM NEEDS PROPPING UP AND HOUSE BILL 4 DOESN'T ADDRESS THAT NEED.

SENATOR WHITNEY WESTERFIELD VOTED IN FAVOR OF HOUSE BILL 4 BUT SAYS THE MORE IMPORTANT ISSUE IS BUYING AN UPGRADED COMPUTER SYSTEM TO MAKE PROCESSING CLAIMS EASIER.

>> I'M HAPPY TO MOD MODERNIZE THIS AND SUPPORT THIS BUT IF THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH AND IF WE NEED TO SEND NOR RESOURCES OR DO SOMETHING ELSE IF WE DON'T HELP THEM DO WHATEVER THEY NEED TO DO, IF THAT SIDE OF THIS ISN'T ADDRESSED WE HAVE FAILED THE PEOPLE OF KENTUCKY BY NOT FIXING IN THIS REGARD THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH, I'M RESPECTFULLY FUSS BEING AT THEM IF THAT RFP IS STILL WAITING WE'RE AT THE END OF THIS PANDEMIC, I PRAY, WHERE IS THE NEW SYSTEM?

WHERE IS THE PROCESS TOWARDS MOVING TOWARDS A NEW SYSTEM?

IF WE NEGLECT THAT THEN WE'VE IGNORED THE ONE THING MY CONSTITUENTS THE MOST HAVE FUSSED OVERRED PAST TWO YEARS >> HOUSE BILL 4 PASSED THE SENATE 22 TO 13.

A SENATE COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE ATTACHED TO THE MEASURE WILL SEND IT BACK TO THE HOUSE FOR IT TO AGREE WITH OR REJECT THE SENATE CHANGES.

IF THE HOUSE APPROVES THE SENATE-AMENDED MEASURE, IT'LL HEAD TO THE GOVERNOR'S DESK.

THE SENATE ALSO PASSED HOUSE BILL 144, WHICH WOULD LOWER UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE TAXES FOR KENTUCKY BUSINESSES.

IT IS ESTIMATED EMPLOYERS WOULD SAVE $70 PER EMPLOYEE.

IT MOVES BACK TO THE HOUSE FOR CONCURRENCE AFTER SENATE PASSAGE 29 TO 5.

OVER TWO YEARS AFTER FORMER GOVERNOR MATT BEVIN ISSUED MORE THAN 250 PARDONS NEAR THE END OF HIS TERM - INCLUDING PARDONS TO CONVICTED MURDERS AND CHILD RAPISTS - THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY IS PROPOSING A CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO LIMIT THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S CLEMENCY POWER.

SEVERAL OF BEVIN'S PARDONS WERE CONSIDERED CONTROVERSIAL AND ONE LED TO A FEDERAL INVESTIGATION.

SENATE BILL 149 WOULD ALLOW KENTUCKIANS TO VOTE ON LANGUAGE PREVENTING FUTURE GOVERNORS FROM ISSUING PARDONS 30 DAYS BEFORE AN ELECTION UNTIL FIVE WEEKS AFTER ONE.

SENATOR CHRISTIAN MCDANIEL CALLS THE BILL "A SMALL LIMITATION ON THE POWERS OF ONE PERSON."

>> THE POWER TO PARDON ALLOWS ONE PERSON, ONE PERSON TO OVERRIDE THE JUDGMENT OF A CITIZEN WHO COMPLAINS OF A POLICE OFFICER, OF A COUNTY PROSECUTOR WHO HAS TO STAND BEFORE THE VOTERS, OF A GRAND JURY, OF A JURY, OF A JUDGE WHO HAS TO STAND BEFORE THE VOTERS, IN MANY CASES APPELLATE JUDGES WHO STAND BEFORE THE VOTERS AND IN SEVERAL OF THESE CASES SUPREME COURT JUSTICES WHO STAND IN FRONT OF THE VOTERS AND IMPOSE HIS OR HER UNILATERAL OPINION ON THE SCALES OF JUSTICE >> GRAYSON SENATOR ROBIN WEBB OFTEN SAYS SHE DOESN'T LIKE ADJUSTING THE KENTUCKY CONSTITUTION, BUT ADDS CLEMENCY POWERS SHOULDN'T BE REDUCED BECAUSE OF THE ACTIONS OF ONE PERSON.

>> THERE ARE MANY INDIVIDUALS OUT THERE WHO DESERVE PARDONS AND WHO HAVE SHOWN THROUGHOUT THEIR LIFE BY EXAMPLE THAT THEY CERTAINLY ARE SO ENTITLED.

IN THIS BODY, WE TRY TO LEGISLATE MORALITY ALL THE TIME.

IT NEVER WORKS.

WE CAN'T LEGISLATE THE MORALITY OF AN EXECUTIVE >> SENATE PRESIDENT ROBERT STIVERS SAYS THE ACTIONS OF THE FORMER GOVERNOR MAKES THIS WORTHY OF CONSIDERATION BY VOTERS AND THAT IT DOESN'T VIOLATE THE CONSTITUTION IF IT IS APPROVED BY THEM.

>> IT WOULD NOT BE VOLUMETIVE IF THE PEOPLE DECIDE THAT'S THE WAY THEY WANT TO LIMIT THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE AND THOSE POWERS THAT ARE ENUMERATED IN THE CONSTITUTION.

FOR ME, THIS IS SOMETHING THAT I THINK THE PEOPLE WANT TO VOTE ON.

AND AS YOU AND I HAVE DISCUSSED, WHEN YOU DO A CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT, IT IS SOMETHING THAT IS ENDORSED BY THE LEGISLATURE AS A TOPIC THAT IS WORTHY OF VOTING ON.

AND I BELIEVE DUE TO THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE PAST ADMINISTRATION, THIS IS: >> SENATE BILL 149 PASSED THE SENATE.

IF IT PASSES THE HOUSE, IT WILL GO ON BALLOTS THIS NOVEMBER.

IN HOUSE ACTION TODAY, BUSINESS GROUPS FAVOR DRIVING DOWN PERSONAL INCOME TAXES, AS THEY SEE IT AS KEY TO MAKING KENTUCKY AN ATTRACTIVE PLACE TO LIVE AND WORK.

THAT'S WHY THEIR SUPPORTIVE OF THE HOUSE GOP TAX RESTRUCTURING PLAN THAT GRADUALLY ZEROES OUT THE STATE INCOME TAX.

BUT, PROGRESSIVES CLAIM IT SKEWS HEAVILY TO THE WEALTHY AND WILL SHRINK INVESTMENTS IN SCHOOLS, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AND INFRASTRUCTURE.

RIGHT NOW, STATE INCOME TAXES COMPRISE 40% OF THE STATE BUDGET.

STARTING IN 2023, HOUSE BILL 8 SLICES KENTUCKY'S INCOME TAX RATE FROM 5% TO 4% AT A COST OF $1.1 BILLION TO THE STATE'S GENERAL FUND.

THE MEASURE ESTABLISHES TRIGGERS TO INCREMENTALLY REDUCE THE TAX UNTIL IT'S ELIMINATED ENTIRELY.

ZEROING OUT THE PERSONAL INCOME TAX COULD TAKE FOUR TO EIGHT YEARS, BUT IT DEPENDS ON STATE REVENUE.

WHAT'S MORE, THE HOUSE GOP WANTS TO EXPAND THE SALES TAX BASE TO SERVICES LIKE NONMEDICAL COSMETIC SURGERY, RESEARCH SURVEYS, LEGISLATIVE AND EXECUTIVE BRANCH LOBBYING, TAXI CABS, CAR RENTALS, OR TRANSPORTATION SERVICES LIKE UBER AND LYFT, LIMOUSINES, SOCIAL EVENT PLANNING AND MORE.

THE BILL, SPONSORED BY HOUSE A AND R CHAIR JASON PETRIE, ALSO CONTAINS TAX AMNESTY PROVISIONS AS A TOOL TO CAPTURE TAX DELINQUENCIES.

LOUISVILLE REPUBLICAN KEN FLEMING WAS THE ARCHITECT OF THAT PIECE.

>> CONSIDERATION IS MADE TO ALEVIATE THE INTERESTS AND PENALTIES IN ORDER TO ENCOURAGE A PAYMENT OF PAST DUE LIABILITIES.

TYPICALLY, GOVERNMENT ENTITY TS OFFER THIS PROGRAM EVERY DECADE LIKE KENTUCKY DID IF 2012.

AT THAT TIME THE DOR COLLECTED AROUND 58.4 MILLION WHICH IS SLIGHTLY HIGHER THAN OUR GOAL OF 54 MILLION.

WE HAVE 250 MILLION OUTSTANDING.

I SUSPECT IT'S HIGHER BECAUSE OF THE COLLECTION EFFORTS WERE RELAXED DURING COVID.

THIS PROGRAM IS TO APPLY TO STATE TAXES AND IF IT TAXPAYER WHO PARTICIPATES IN THIS PROGRAM AND FAILS TO FILE FUTURE RETURNS, THEY WOULD BE SUBJECT TO PENALTIES, INTEREST AND COST OF COLLECTION >> HOUSE BILL 8 DOESN'T TAX MEDICINE, GROCERIES OR HOME UTILITIES.

BACK IN 2012, KANSAS SLASHED THE INCOME TAX ACROSS THE BOARD IN AN EFFORT TO BOOST THE ECONOMY, BUT THE REALITY FELL FAR SHORT OF EXPECTATIONS AND THE REPUBLICAN-CONTROLLED LEGISLATURE REVERSED THAT TAX POLICY IT WAS A POINT DEMOCRAT JOSIE RAYMOND DROVE HIM IN COMMITTEE TODAY IN QUIZZING THE SPONSOR.

>> THE GOVERNOR AND LEGISLATURE IN KANSAS CUT THE INCOME TAX AND TOOK SOME OTHER MEASURES THE IT SUCH A DEVASTATING IMPACT ON STATE REVENUE THEE REPEALED IT FIVE YEARS LATER.

OF WHAT'S DIFFERENT HERE?

>> GOOD QUESTION AND PEOPLE WILL TALK ABOUT KANSAS.

WE DON'T WANT TO BE KANSAS EITHER.

WITH HE WANT TO BE KENTUCKY WHO DOES IT RIGHT WAY FOR KENTUCKIANS.

A BIG DIFFERENCE IS IN THE WAY THEY HAD THE TIMING OF THEIR STRUCTURES.

SO, FOR INSTANCE, IF YOU HAVE A DOWNWARD TRAJECTORY IN ARE HE HAVE KNEW OR GIVING A TAX BREAK AS A BEFORE YOU ACTUALLY START TO INCREASE YOUR REVENUES, YOU GET CAUGHT IN A NEGATIVE.

AND THAT'S WHAT HAPPENED IN KANSAS.

THEY JUST SIMPLY DID NOT SEE THAT COMING.

THAT'S NOT WHAT WE HAVE HERE.

WE HAVE THE MONEY.

WE HAVE THE FUNDING FOR 5 TO 4, WHICH IS BASICALLY REDUCING OUR REVENUES TO MEET OUR BUDGETARY NEEDS APPROPRIATION NEEDS, WE HAVE THAT.

FROM 4 TO 0 WE DO NOT GO OUT IN FRONT OF OUR SKIS AND REDUCE OUR REVENUES BEFORE THEY'RE THERE >> REPRESENTATIVE JAMES TIPTON SAYS THE TAX CODE RESTRUCTURE PLAN AMOUNTS TO A 1% PAY INCREASE FOR KENTUCKY TAXPAYERS.

BUT DEMOCRATS ON THE PANEL TAKE A MUCH DIFFERENT VIEW AND REASON THAT CUTTING INCOME TAXES PAYS OFF GREATER FOR HIGHER INCOME EARNERS.

>> THAT IS MORE DOLLARS IN THEIR POCKET THAT THEY CAN CHOOSE TO SPEND AND INVEST IN OUR LOCAL COMMUNITIES.

OUR ULTIMATE GOAL IS WE WANT TO MAKE OUR STATE BETTER FOR EVERYONE.

AND WE RECOGNIZE THAT WE HAVE TO HAVE BUSINESS.

WE HAVE TO HAVE WORKFORCE, SO THE WORK OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY IS NOT JUST ABOUT THIS BILL OR THIS BILL, IT'S COLLECTIVELY HOW WE CAN WORK TOGETHER.

WE HAVE A LOT OF WORKFORCE ISSUES.

I HOPE WE CONTINUE TO WORK ON ALL OF THESE ISSUES BUT I DO SUPPORT THE CONCEPT OF THE REDUCTION IN THE INCOME TAX, PUTTING MORE MONEY IN THOSE PEOPLE OUT THERE WORKING EVERY DAY TO INVEST IN OUR STATE.

>> TO ME, THIS IS JUST A CONTINUED SHIFT OF THE TAX BURDEN WHERE IF YOU LOOK AT HOW MUCH IS PAID RELATIVE TO HOW MUCH INCOME SOMEBODY IS HAVING, BECAUSE OF SALES TAX, LET'S FACE IT, IT'S A FLAT TAX.

WE'RE GETTING RID OF A PROGRESSIVE TAX SYSTEM, SO WE ARE SHIFTING FROM A TOTAL PROGRESSIVE -- NOT TOTAL, A PART PROGRESSIVE FLAT TAX SYSTEM TO A TOTAL FLAT TAX SYSTEM WITH CONSUMMATIVE BASE >> THE HEAD OF THE KENTUCKY CENTER FOR ECONOMIC POLICY, JASON BAILEY, HAS ANALYZED HOUSE BILL 8 FOR ITS IMPACTS ON MIDDLE AND LOW INCOME KENTUCKIANS.

A FISCAL NOTE PREPARED ON THE ORIGINAL BILL BUT NOT THE REVISED VERSION THAT STRIKES THE SALES TAX EXPANSION TO SOME SERVICES, INDICATES THAT 160 MILLION WOULD BE RAISED BY BROADENING THE SALES TAX TO SERVICES NOT CURRENTLY COVERED.

IT'S A POINT BAILEY BROKE DOWN THIS WAY.

>> SO WE'RE LOOKING AT A SET OF SERVICES THAT RAISE ABOUT 10% OF WHAT IS LOST FROM A ONE POINT CUT INITIAL ONE POINT CUT IN THE INCOME TAX.

WE WILL LOSE ONE BASICALLY 1.2 BILLION AND ONLY GAIN ABOUT 10% OF THAT BACK.

THAT'S JUST INITIALLY.

OTHER STATES HAVE TRIED THIS EXPERIMENT.

WE TALKED ABOUT KANSAS, BUT IT'S NOT JUST KANSAS.

AROUND THE SAME TIME ARIZONA, NORTH CAROLINA, OHIO, MAINE, WISCONSIN ALSO PASSED INCOME TAX CUTS.

THEY ALL SAW SUBSTANTIAL BUDGET CUTS AS A RESULT.

THEY ALL HAD ECONOMIC GROWTH THAT WAS SLOWER THAN THE NATIONAL AVERAGE IN THE PERIODS AFTER THE CUTS TAKE EFFECT.

IT'S A DANGEROUS PATH TO GO DOWN TO ASSUME THAT WE WILL BE ABLE TO FILL THE GAP WITH POPULATION GROWTH IN ECONOMIC ACTIVITY.

I WILL STOP THERE AND SAY THE BILL WON'T COME IN THIS SESSION BECAUSE WE HAVE EXTRA MONIES BUT IT WILL COME, AND IT WILL MEAN LARGER CLASS SIZES, LOWER EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT, HAMPERED COURT SYSTEM, INCREASED PENSION LIABILITIES, SHUTTERED STATE PARKS AND OTHER FALL OUT OR HIGHER TAXES ON THE PEOPLE WHO CAN PAY THEM LEAST.

THIS IS THE MOST CONSEQUENTIAL BILL AFFECTING OUR BUDGET IN NEARLY 100 YEARS.

IT DOESN'T GIVE AWAY THE CURRENT SURPLUS BUT CREATES A FISCAL SURPLUS THAT WILL GROW >> HOUSE BUDGET CHAIRMAN'S HOUSE BILL 8 THAT GRADUALLY REDUCES THE STATE INCOME TAX AND BROADENS SALES TAXES TO MORE SERVICES WAS ADVANCED BY HOUSE REPUBLICANS ON THE A AND R PANEL 18 TO 6.

THE MEASURE NOW HEADS TO THE VOTING DOCKET OF THE FULL HOUSE.

THE 2020 ELECTION CYCLE WAS RIDDLED WITH UNSUBSTANTIATED CLAIMS OF VOTER FRAUD.

THERE WERE NO SIGNIFICANT CHALLENGES TO KENTUCKY'S ELECTION RESULTS, BUT LEGISLATORS ARE SEEKING TO STRENGTHEN KENTUCKY'S ELECTION LAWS TO MAKE CHEATING IN ELECTIONS EVEN MORE DIFFICULT.

SENATE BILL 216 IS THAT VEHICLE.

THE BILL REMOVES CREDIT AND DEBIT CARDS AS ALTERNATE FORMS OF IDENTIFICATION, PROHIBITS VOTING EQUIPMENT FROM BEING CONNECTED TO ANY COMPUTER NETWORK -- LIKE THE INTERNET -- AND REQUIRES BALLOT BOXES TO BE SECURED AND PLACED UNDER VIDEO SURVEILLANCE FOR 30 DAYS AFTER AN ELECTION IN CASE THE MACHINES NEED TO BE AUDITED.

HENDERSON SENATOR ROBBY MILLS EXPLAINED ANOTHER PROVISION OF THE BILL TO THE SENATE STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE.

>> IT CHANGES THE INDEPENDENT NUMBER OF INCHED PROSPECT INQUIRIES DONE BY THE TOARNL AGAIN FROM 6 TO 12.

THESE ARE THE INQUIRIES AFTER THE ELECTION THAT ARE DRAWN FROM RANDOM SELECTION THAT WILL GIVE US A FULL 10% OF OUR COUNTIES THAT ARE INDEPENDENTLY LOOKED AT ELECTION RESULTS ARE LOOKED AT IN THIS INQUIRY >> A COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE TO THE MEASURE ALSO RETURNS THE KENTUCKY SECRETARY OF STATE AS CHAIR OF THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS.

A 2019 BILL SPONSORED BY SENATE MAJORITY LEADER DAMON THAYER STRIPPED THEN SECRETARY ALLISON LUNDERGAN GRIMES FROM THAT POSITION AFTER CONTROVERSY ABOUT HER OFFICE'S USE OF THE VOTER REGISTRATION SYSTEM.

LAWRENCEBURG SENATOR ADRIENNE SOUTHWORTH VOTED AGAINST THE MEASURE, SPECIFYING THAT PROVISION AS ONE REASON WHY.

BUT THAYER SAYS THAT THE CURRENT SECRETARY OF STATE HAS PROVEN HIMSELF RESPONSIBLE.

>> THE OTHER REASON IS THE SECRETARY OF STATE AS THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD AND AS VOTING MEMBER, THIS BODY ACTUALLY TOOK ACTION ABOUT THREE YEARS AGO TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE THAT HAD SPUN OUT OF CONTROL AND THERE ARE NUMEROUS INVESTIGATIONS, COURT CASES, ARTICLES AND SO FORTH ABOUT THIS, AND WE'RE TURNING AROUND AND STARTING HEADING RIGHT IN THAT SAME DIRECTION.

I THINK IT'S A DANGEROUS MOVE.

>> I WAS THE ONE WHO LED THE CHARGE TO REMOVE THE SECRETARY OF THE STATE, THE PREVIOUS SECRETARY OF STATE FROM BOARD OF ELECTIONS, PROVE SHE WAS INCAPABLE OF HOLDING ON TO THAT POSITION.

CURRENT SECRETARY OF STATE HAS PROVED HIMSELF MORE THAN CAPABLE OF BEING BACK AS CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF ELECTIONS >> SOUTHWORTH WAS THE LONE NO VOTE.

SENATE BILL 216 PASSED THE SENATE STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE 7 TO 1 AND IS ROUTED TO THE FULL SENATE.

LAST YEAR, THE KENTUCKY GENERAL ASSEMBLY PASSED AN ELECTION REFORM BILL DESIGNED TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR KENTUCKIANS TO VOTE.

TODAY, THE HOUSE ELECTIONS AND CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS COMMITTEE DISCUSSED HOUSE BILL 564, A BILL TO ALTER SOME OF LAST YEAR'S REFORMS TO ADDRESS SOME UNEXPECTED PROBLEMS.

THE BILL'S SPONSOR IS REPRESENTATIVE JOSH BRANSCUM OF RUSSELL SPRINGS.

HE SAYS UNDER THE CURRENT LAW, WHEN THE ABSENTEE BALLOT REQUEST PERIOD ENDS AND A VOTER FINDS THE NEXT DAY THEY WON'T BE ABLE TO VOTE IN PERSON, THAT VOTER WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO VOTE AT ALL.

>> SO THE LAST DAY TO REQUEST AN ABSENTEE BALLOT THROUGH THE PORTAL IS 14 DAYS FROM ELECTION DAY.

AFTER THAT, THERE WAS NO MECHANISM IN PLACE TO REQUEST A BALLOT OR VOTE EXCUSED ABSENTEE UNTIL THE THURSDAY OF IN-PERSON VOTING.

SO WE'VE GOT A GAP THERE.

SO IF ON DAY 13 YOU FIND OUT THE PORTAL CLOSES, DAY 13 YOU FIND OUT YOU'RE NOT GOING TO BE ABLE TO VOTE IN PERSON WHETHER THAT'S ON ELECTION DAY OR THE THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY OF EARLY VOTING, THERE'S NO WAY YOU WOULD BE ABLE TO VOTE OR GET A BALLOT.

THIS BILL LAYS OUT THE CRY TEAR ONE WOULD HAVE 0 MEET EXCUSED ABSENTEE.

WE TOOK THE PREVIOUS STATUTE PRIOR TO COVID AIND PLIED THAT THIS TO PERIOD BETWEEN THE 13 DAYS OUT FROM ELECTION UNTIL THE THURSDAY OF IN-PERSON VOTING.

WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE THAT WE'RE NOT PUNISHING OUR HARD WORKING KENTUCKIANS WHO WHAT I FIND OUT ON DAY 13 THEY'RE NOT GOING TO BE ABLE TO VOTE >> REPRESENTATIVE BRANSCUM SAYS IF THIS BILL PASSES, HE EXPECTS THE CHANGES WOULD GO INTO EFFECT FOR THE MAY PRIMARY.

FOR THAT REASON, ANDERSON COUNTY CLERK JASON DENNY SAID IT WOULD BE HELPFUL IF THIS BILL PASSED QUICKLY.

THE COMMITTEE TODAY VOTED IN FAVOR OF IT.

HOUSE BILL 330, IF PASSED, WOULD BAN VOTE HAULING, WHEN A CANDIDATE OR CAMPAIGN PAYS SOMEONE TO DRIVE VOTERS TO THE POLLS.

THE BILL'S SPONSOR REPRESENTATIVE ED MASSEY AND MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE ELECTIONS AND CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS COMMITTEE DISCUSSED THE THINKING BEHIND THE BILL AND WHAT IS AND ISN'T COVERED BY IT.

>> THE REASON THIS IS NECESSARY IS BECAUSE IN SOME AREAS, THERE IS A TRADITION OF A CAMPAIGN OR CANDIDATE PAYING PEOPLE TO QUOTE, UNQUOTE WINK, WINK, NOD, NOD, DRIVE PEOPLE TO VOTES WHICH IS WAY TO PAY FOR VOTES.

; IS THAT CORRECT?

>> THAT IS CORRECT.

>> I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE NOT TALKING IN ANY WAY ESPECIALLY IN A TIME WHEN WE WERE HAVING FEWER POLLING LOCATIONS WE'RE NOT TALKING ABOUT ORGANIZATIONS, NONPROFITS THAT ARE TRYING TO GET PEOPLE TO THE POLLS.

THOSE PEOPLE ARE NOT COVERED BY THIS BILL.

THIS IS CANDIDATES AND THEIR CAMPAIGN APPARATUS; IS THAT CORRECT?

>> THAT IS ABSOLUTELY CORRECT.

>> THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN.

ASKED FOR PAST EXAMPLES DISGUISED AS VOTE HAULING.

>> BEST EXAMPLES I CAN GIVE YOU, VOTE BUYING HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A LONG TIME.

THERE WAS A BIG DUST YUP I THINK IN CLAY COUNTY A FEW YEARS BACK ACTUALLY A CIRCUIT JUDGE AND A BOARD SUPERINTENDENT WHY INDICTED ON BASICALLY PAYING FOR VOTES BECAUSE THEY CONTROL THE LARGEST EMPLOYER IN THE COUNTY.

NOW, THAT WAS A TRANSPORT PORTING IT GOES IN THE SAME VAIN OF THINGS.

IF YOU HAVE SOMEBODY THAT'S THERE AND YOU SAY TO A GUY, HEY, I WILL PAY YOU $500 IF YOU CAN GET -- PICK UP 20 REGISTERED VOTERS AND TAKE THEM TO THE POLLS TO VOTE FOR ME.

THAT'S WHAT VOTE HAULING IS INDICATIVE OF.

IT'S NOT TALKING ABOUT DECLINING PEOPLE WHO ARE ACTUAL VOTERS FROM VOTING.

WE WANT THEM TO GO TO THE POLLS AND CAST THEIR VOTE FOR THEIR DESIRED CANDIDATE.

WE'RE TEA TALKING ABOUT PEOPLE MANIPULATING THE SYSTEM UNFAIR ADVANTAGE USING MONEY TO DO SO >> THE BILL WOULD NOT PROHIBIT DRIVERS FROM BEING REIMBURSED FOR THEIR DRIVING-RELATING EXPENSES.

THE COMMITTEE APPROVED HOUSE BILL 330, SENDING IT ON TO THE FULL HOUSE FOR CONSIDERATION THERE.

IN KENTUCKY, POLITICAL CANDIDATES HAVE TO FILE FUNDRAISING REPORTS EVERY QUARTER - OR FOUR TIMES A YEAR - DURING AN ELECTION YEAR.

UNDER HOUSE BILL 740, CANDIDATES WOULD ONLY HAVE TO FILE ONE REPORT AT THE END OF THE YEAR IN A NON-ELECTION YEAR WHEN THEIR FUNDRAISING IS ALREADY UNDERWAY.

IT'S CO-SPONSORED BY REPRESENTATIVE MATTHEW KOCH OF PARIS.

BUT JOHN STEFFEN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE KENTUCKY REGISTRY OF ELECTION FINANCE, OPPOSES THE BILL.

HE TOLD THE HOUSE ELECTIONS AND CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS COMMITTEE IF CANDIDATES DISCLOSE THEIR FUNDRAISING FOUR TIMES A YEAR, INSTEAD OF ONCE, VOTERS WILL HAVE BETTER, MORE TIMELY INFORMATION.

>> THAT'S KIND OF LIKE ASKING WHY SHOULD -- WHY DO WE REPORT MORE IN THE ELECTION YEAR THAN WE DO IN OFF ELECTION YEAR?

I'M EQUATING MORE REPORTING TO BETTER.

FOR EXAMPLE, WE ADDED WE BEING YOU ALL THE LEGISLATURE ADDED 60-DAY PREJOURNAL ELECTION REQUIREMENT A COUPLE YEARS AGO THAT HADN'T THERE.

THAT'S ADDITIONAL REPORTING, ADDITIONAL REVIEW OF WHAT'S BEING TAKEN IN I GUESS WITH THE MORE IS BETTER.

>> I CAN ADD DURING A AN ELECTION YEAR, ABSOLUTELY AGREE WITH.

IN AN OFF YEAR FOR EVERYONE, IT'S AN UNDUE BURDEN >> REPRESENTATIVE JASON NEMES OF MIDDLETOWN SUPPORTS THE BILL.

HE SAYS CANDIDATES CAN FILE THEIR INFORMATION ONCE A YEAR, IN A NON-ELECTION YEAR, AND STILL RECEIVE THE PROPER SCRUTINY.

HIS COMPLAINT IS WITH THE REPORTING SYSTEM ITSELF.

>> THE ELECTION YEARS THERE ARE MULTIPLE REPORTINGS, THAT'S NOT TOUCHED HERE.

WITH THE ONLY THING THAT'S CHANGED IN BILL WITH RESPECT TO THE REPORTING TIMELINES IS DURING A NONELECTION YEAR, WE REPORT ON DECEMBER 1 AND THAT'S IMPORTANT BECAUSE WE HAVE SESSION ON JANUARY 1 AND ALSO FILING DEADLINES FOR THE ELECTION AND SO OUR CITIZENS CAN HOLD US ACCOUNTABILITY IF THEY DON'T LIKE WHO IS CONTRIBUTING TO US RAISING TOO MUCH, TOO LITTLE, WHATEVER.

ALL THAT ACCOUNTABILITY IS STILL IN PLACE.

WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO ASK YOU, MR. STEPHEN LET'S GET THIS SYSTEM REALLY GOOD I WILL SUPPORT AN IMMEDIATE REPORTING.

I DON'T SEE ANY REASON WHY IF IT'S GOING TO BE SIMPLE YOU CAN'T JUST GO IN AFTER A FUNDRAISER AND PUNCH ALL THE NUMBERS IN, ACTUALLY MAKES IT MUCH SIMPLER.

AS IT EXISTS TODAY, THIS SYSTEM IS TER TERRIBLY BAD >> THE COMMITTEE VOTED IN FAVOR OF THE BILL, SENDING IT TO THE FULL HOUSE.

THAT'S ALL FOR DAY 40 OF THE 2022 KENTUCKY GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN REGULAR SESSION.

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT LEGISLATIVE MEETINGS, CALL 1-800-633-9650.

YOU CAN ALSO FOLLOW OUR GAVEL-TO-GAVEL COVERAGE THROUGHOUT THE DAY BY DOWNLOADING KET'S LEGISLATIVE COVERAGE APP TO YOUR SMART PHONE OR TABLET.

YOU CAN WATCH ON OUR KENTUCKY CHANNEL OR FOLLOW ALONG ONLINE AT KET.ORG.

AND, YOU CAN FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER TO GET UPDATES THROUGHOUT THE DAY.

WE HOPE TO SEE YOU AGAIN TOMORROW NIGHT AT OUR SPECIAL FRIDAY NIGHT TIME RIGHT AFTER COMMENT ON KENTUCKY AT 8:30 EASTERN, 7:30 CENTRAL FOR LEGISLATIVE UPDATE.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR WATCHING I'M RENEE SHAW.

HAVE A GREAT NIGHT, AND I'LL SEE TOMORROW.